A new Jaguar XE roadster is ready to debut in concept form at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, according to Autocar. It is apparently set to provide some stiff competition to the Porsche Boxster and Autocar claims its source says that the new XE “will blow the rest of the industry away”.
Them’s fightin’ words - but just how will Jaguar do it? Well, apart from the Frankfurt debut which might ruffle a few German feathers, the Jaguar XE will “express lightness” in a new styling principle which will project to the world that the models are made entirely from aluminium.
The XE could follow the spirit of the E-Type but is not considered a revival attempt. We will get some similar styling with inspiration from models such as the 1963 Lightweight car. The aluminium roadster platform will give way to a car 4.3 metres long with rear-wheel drive.
Overall the long bonnet and short rear very much reflects the original E-Type and Autocar says this picture is an image of the first engineering mule. Jaguar is working on a much lighter car than the current XK cabriolet which weighs in at 1,700 kg. The XE should save about 200 kg off that and be only 50 kg heavier than the Boxster.
The Jaguar XE will start as a roadster version but at this stage there’s no knowing if it will spawn a coupé model as well. The XE should be ready for production by 2012 end and will have a series of V6 engines, with a possible turbocharged unit being considered. Modern technology like an eight-speed automatic gearbox and start-stop system should be included.
A more powerful V8 engine is likely to equip a performance XE version which will appear after the initial launch. So far the Jaguar XE concept might not keep that name but it’s unlikely we’ll see the E-type badging revived. If these reports are to be believed - bring on the Frankfurt show!
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